Stigma is associated with often fear based perspectives and misunderstandings of people with mental health, substance use problems or physical disabilities. Add layers of race and ethnicity, and you have racial stigma, referring to how people of diverse backgrounds are unfairly perceived and treated. The combined impact plays a major role in why many who would benefit from treatment do not seek care.  

This interactive workshop will review mitigating factors that influence stigma and differential treatment, and the intersecting challenges of social determinants of health on stigmatized communities.  Stress related factors that impact cross-race communications and ways to identify unconscious bias will also be covered. Amongst the bias reducing strategies that will be offered, cultural humility will help mitigate stigma and increase person-centered care. The benefit of integrating culturally responsive care helps to achieve and retain highest levels of quality care for persons of color and other marginalized communities.